The Rough Guide To Blues Legends: John Lee Hooker: Birth Of A Legend

RGNET1263, 2011

John Lee Hooker was a true original, a musical colossus whose compelling and mysterious sound towered over the blues and echoed the very soul of African-American experience. Remastered for unparalleled audio clarity, this collection contains the dynamic early career of a truly unique blues legend.

Often hailed as one of the last living links to the real deep American blues, John Lee Hooker’s music is of artistic and historic importance. Rooted in the deep gutsy guitar style of blues tradition, Hooker’s music simultaneously breached new artistic territory via seminal collaborations. This Rough Guide features the legend solo, alone with just his immeasurable talent and cool boogie style to keep him company.

Many of Hooker’s biggest and best hits are featured on this collection. ‘Boogie Chillun’ is one of Hooker’s most famous tracks. His rich buttery vocals riff above a spellbinding guitar drone and the musicians signature foot-tap. Another popular tune, ‘Crawlin’ King Snake’ spotlights Hooker’s voice with his signature soft and chalky sub-tone. The guitar line slithers around scrunched blues chords. On ‘Hobo Blues’ Hooker’s guitar part swoops from repeating mid-range patterns to thick earthy bass lines. The track ‘Dimples’ showcases Hooker with a pulsing hearty blues band backing. The version of ‘I Love You Honey' from 1958 on this album is a reminder that Hooker was equally as charming in a positive and romantic swing mood. Glittery crisp piano articulations, a winding bass line, brushed fuzzy drums, rounded guitar bends and Hooker’s charming baritone velvet voice make for an pleasantly smooth love song.

Hooker’s boogie style brought him to fame and influenced generations of musicians who came after him. This album celebrates Hooker’s cool boogie accent on the aptly named tracks, ‘Low Down Midnite Boogie’, ‘Too Much Boogie’ and ‘I’m A Boogie Man’.

The bonus disc of blues greats showcases some of Hooker’s worthy predecessors and colleagues in the blues trade. A host of well-known names grace the track list: Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf to name but a few.